Soda Free Summer Challenge underway

Health District promotes healthy alternatives to sugary drinks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 7, 2025

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has launched its annual Soda Free Summer Challenge, now underway through August 31. The campaign encourages everyone to choose healthier beverages in favor of soda and other sugary drinks.

Sugar-sweetened beverages—including popular choices like sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, and sweetened coffees and teas—are a leading source of added sugars in the American diet. A standard 12-ounce soda can contain up to 10 teaspoons of sugar. Added sugars contribute to issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and tooth decay.

“Excessive sugar consumption is associated with many negative health outcomes” said Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Limiting or eliminating sugar sweetened beverages from your diet is one way to reduce consumption of added sugars.”

Nationally, 63% of youth and 49% of adults report having sugary drinks once daily or more. On average, children consume more than 30 gallons of sugary drinks per year, enough to fill an entire bathtub. The average American consumes approximately 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day. Adolescents (12-19 years old) are the highest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages. In Clark County, 13.2% of adolescents drank one can, bottle or glass of soda at least once per day during 2023, up from 11.4% in 2019.

According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day. For women, the recommended daily maximum is 6 teaspoons. Adults and children are encouraged to limit sugary drinks and opt for healthier alternatives including water, unsweetened tea and plain milk.

Consumers are advised to read nutrition labels to determine how much added sugar is included in their drinks. For more information on sugary drinks and the Soda Free Summer Challenge visit www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org or www.VivaSaludable.org.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.